§ Q30. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement about the White Paper, "Better Schools"; and what developments have taken place in this area since the statement of Government policy in 1972.
§ The Prime MinisterAs "Better Schools" shows, since 1972 there have been substantial advances in the school system. For example, the overall pupil to teacher ratio in maintained primary and secondary schools in England and Wales has improved from 21.5 in 1972 to 17.9 in 1984; and school provision for the under-fives now extends to 43 per cent. of three and four-year-olds compared with 21 per cent. in 1972. But "Better Schools" also shows the need for further action to raise the standards attained by pupils. To this end, it sets out policies in four important areas: the curriculum; examinations, assessment and the recording of achievement; the professional effectiveness, training and management of the teaching force; and school government and the contribution of parents. I believe that the Government's policies will be welcomed by all who are genuinely concerned with improving the standards in our schools.